Year In Review: Two area city managers move on

The last quarter of 2004 saw major changes in the form of the
impending departures of the top administrators in two Southwest
County cities.

On Dec. 14, Lake Elsinore City Manager Dick Watenpaugh announced
his retirement from the helm of city government, effective early
this year. And by a unanimous vote in late September, the Murrieta
City Council canceled City Manager Steve Mandoki's contract,
effective Oct. 1.

While elected city officials did not disparage the work of
either man, questions had arisen over the job performance of
each.

Performance reviews conducted by the city councils in both
cities were held in closed session before announcing the changes,
but details of either were not made public.

In the case of the 46-year-old Mandoki, Councilman Warnie Enochs
in late September said he had concerns about the man's management
of a former department manager.

In August 2003, the city's building and safety manager was
arrested and later pleaded guilty to 36 counts of forgery and
corruption of records in connection with the embezzlement of
$265,000. Enochs also has complained that under Mandoki, who is now
serving as a consultant for the city, city staff had given
preference to some council members over others.

The void in Murrieta's management team was filled quickly by the
council, who hired Lori Moss —— the assistant city manager at the
time —— to take the helm.

Mandoki began working for the city of Murrieta in 1991 and was
named interim city manager in 1998, before being hired into the
role six months later.

Lake Elsinore's Watenpaugh has served as city manager since
1997. He was hired by the city in 1988.

His retirement was announced at the Dec. 14 council meeting,
after months of speculation about his future. Details on the exact
reasons for his retirement were not made public. Both the city and
Watenpaugh agreed "not to defame, disparage or demean" each
other.

Watenpaugh's supporters, including Councilman Bob Schiffner,
praised Watenpaugh's performance as city manager and lamented his
leaving the post.

His critics, including Councilman Daryl Hickman, had long said
that City Hall lacked leadership under the 57-year-old Oceanside
resident's watch.

Hickman said recently that he believes Watenpaugh's exit will
point the city in a new direction and increase city government's
responsiveness to the needs of residents.

"I think you will see more openness in city government," he
said.

As far as bringing a new city manager on board, Hickman said he
would favor hiring someone with a strong business management
background instead of head-hunting a career city manager.

"I just want somebody that can come in and make decisions and
put us on the right track," Hickman said.